But how do you know what pump to put on your registry if you’re still in the dark about how the whole breastfeeding/pumping thing works? We got you covered. There are dozens of manual and electric breast pumps on the market, from hospital grade to wearable, single to double. With a manual pump, mom puts a breast shield over the nipple and areola, and then uses a handle or lever to squeeze and create suction to express milk. The breast milk is then collected in an attached container. Powered breast pumps use batteries or electrical cords to power a small motorized pump, which creates suction to extract milk from the breasts. It usually has long tubes that connect to breast shields, which are then attached to containers. Electric pumps have a control panel with a dial or switch to control the degree of suction. Always make sure to order the right flange size for your breasts when it’s needed for certain pumps, which primarily come in 21mm, 24mm and 30mm. And closed systems—meaning there’s a barrier that prevents milk from overflowing and leaking into the pump—help reduce the chance of mold and meet safety standards for clean pumping and eating. So, whether you’re looking for an electric pump that pulls milk out fast or one that is best used on the go, these 10 breast pumps will fit your specific needs. And before purchasing, make sure to check if your health insurance company will cover the cost—most do! Below, manual, electric and hands-free pumps for your breast milk journey. Here at Parade.com, we’re all about sharing products we love with our audience. When you make a purchase on an item seen on this page, we may earn a commission, however, all picks are independently chosen unless otherwise mentioned.
The Best of the Best Breast Pumps
The Easiest-To Use- Breast Pump
Haakaa (Generation 2) 5 oz. Silicone Breast Pump with Cap, $23.99 at Buybuy BABY
The Haakaa relieves engorged breasts by expressing milk using suction. Its cord-free design simply suctions to the breast and draws milk gently and effectively. It also helps build up that milk supply as you can use it while feeding baby on the opposite breast. From one breastfeeding mama to another, this product is a must-have!
The Most Convenient Breast Pump
Elvie Curve Wearable Breast Pump, $49.99 at Buybuy BABY
The Elvie Curve Wearable Breast Pump is a game-changer. Like the Haakaa, it uses suction to express milk gently from the breast. Simply press the silicone pouch to attach. Designed for discreet wear, it’s contoured to fit the shape of your breast while wearing a bra. And it lies stably on its front to avoid spilled milk after use!
The Best Manual Breast Pump
Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump with PersonalFit Flex Breast Shields, $28.99 at Buybuy BABY
Hand-powered and cord-free, the Medela Harmony is ideal if you’re on the go (car trips, commute, date night) and need to express a few ounces of breast milk without the hassle of toting a full-size pump. It’s a great sidekick to your electric pump.
The Best Electric Breast Pump
Spectra S1 Plus Premier Rechargeable Double Electric Breast Pump
The Spectra S2 is also a great pump, the Spectra S1 Plus Premiere has a built-in rechargeable battery, so you can pump on-the-go (for up to three hours) rather than being hooked up to an outlet. This breast pump is quiet as it expresses milk effectively and efficiently using suction and speed controls that you can customize to your comfort level. It’s hygienic with a closed system that keeps milk separate from parts, and features a nightlight and timer for those pesky midnight pumping sessions.
The Most Affordable Electric Breast Pump
The Bellababy breast pump has solid reviews, and costs way less than its competitors. An affordable and quality product, this double electric pump features four modes and nine levels of suction for choice of massage and stimulation before pumping. The pump is lightweight and wireless, but apparently on the louder side if that’s bothersome to you.
The Best Portable Breast Pump
Willow Generation 3 Hands-Free Wearable Double Electric Pump, $499.99 at Buybuy BABY
The Willow pump gives you freedom with its cordless design. Made to move, and quiet and compact, the in-bra pumps are completely hands-free and offer a 360-degree leakproof design. Connect to the Willow app to see your milk output as you pump directly into self-sealing storage bags or reusable containers—although, coming from a pumping mom, the containers can get tricky to use. Another upside? You can pump out in the open and most people won’t notice!
The Most Affordable Portable Breast Pump
Momcozy S12 Wearable Electric Breast Pump, $74.99 at Walmart
Like the Willow, Momcozy is an in-bra, hands-free pump. The wearable pump allows you to multitask and is made of food-grade PP+Silicone materials, with BPA-free contents, guaranteeing a safe eating experience. It’s also very affordable. Downside? The Momcozy can be seen, so it is not the best option for anyone who wants to keep their pumping sessions private.
The Best Breast Pump For Work
Medela Pump In Style Advanced Breast Pump, $199 at Walmart
The Pump in Style is an awesome choice pumping mamas who are working in an office. The double electric pump functions with a power adapter or with batteries and features single knob speed and vacuum settings. It comes inside of a tote that folds down into a work surface and has a cooler bag—with a contoured ice pack—that holds four breast milk bottles for the commute home.
The Best Hospital Grade Breast Pump
Medela Symphony Breast Pump, $2, 102.50 at Walmart
The Medela Symphonyreally does the trick when it comes to expressing breast milk. And don’t fret over the cost: hospital-grade pumps are usually available to rent on a monthly basis from your birthing center if you can’t afford to purchase them. (Most of us, if we’re being honest.) The Symphony is the first breast pump with two-phase expression technology—proven to achieve faster milk ejection and flow. It’s also whisper-quiet, has one knob control, is easy to clean and good for single or double pumping. Downside? It’s bulky.
The Best Value Breast Pump
Lansinoh Signature Pro Double Breast Pump, $99.99 at Buybuy BABY
For $99.99, the Lansinoh Signature Pro is an affordable and solid option for moms who are pumping frequently. Its LCD display has customizable settings that allow you to choose the suction level that provides the most comfort and maximizes your milk production. It comes with soft-rim flanges and two bottles with a slow-flow nipple. Next, 66+ Baby Freebies, Discounts and Deals So You Don’t Have to Spend Big on Your Little Ones
